Worms in the grow room

By
Ed Rosenthal
on September 20, 2004

Is it safe or smart to use live earthworms to constantly process the humic matter in indoor organic set-ups? I am considering getting a plastic bin to use for recycling old rootballs full of soil, via the earthworms.
Ranger Rick,
Vancouver, British Columbia

You could use worms ensconced in a specially constructed worm bin to digest the unwanted plant parts. Not only will they eat the old roots, but spent leaves (after they’ve been sifted or bubble bagged), stems and even leftover food and snacks as well as paper. They will significantly reduce the waste your system produces.

Rather than using earthworms, which really aren’t adapted to life in a bin, use redworms. These worms love the domestic life of easy food pickings and communal living.

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